Family Stereo, the eclectic musical project of Blake Watt, has some momentum at his back as he releases his debut album, “The Thread.” He’s already played at festivals in his native UK like Kendal Calling and The Great Escape, and he’s even had the honor of the pop duo Everything But The Girl — his parents Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt — covering one of his songs.
With the backing of the esteemed record label Bella Union, Watt is now in position to gain a wider following as he releases an LP of moody, folky yet cinematic tunes.
Watt chatted with us about how a relationship inspired “The Thread’s” lyrical imagery, working with his famous parents and Simon Raymonde of Bella Union and Cocteau Twins acclaim and why in addition to Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Adrianne Lenker, he is also inspired by electronic music.
“The Thread” is released July 31.
Congratulations on making a truly beautiful album. Was your writing inspired by anything that was happening in your life or the world at large?
Thank you! Yes, a lot of the songs were inspired by a long-distance relationship I was in at the time. All the images of distance and space, like badlands, tunnels and wild country were all related to the feeling of longing I was experiencing.
You’ve said you wanted to simplify your writing. How did you do it? What did you need to strip away?
I think it’s just about getting to the crux of the song in as few words as possible. Like figuring out what feelings are at play, and the images that accompany those, and then just distilling those down. I think I’m also more concerned with images and feelings than literal storytelling in songs, which gives me freedom to jump between different perspectives in a free-associative kind of way.
You have listed people like Elliott Smith, Bob Dylan and Neil Young as influences. In addition to those aspects of your sound, there is an ambient, synth-y, cinematic aspect at work as well, at least on some songs. What or who inspired you to pursue those sorts of sounds?
Well, other than listening to singer-songwriters I do like electronic music. Artists like Burial and Aphex Twin have been big influences on my musical sensibilities, as atmosphere inspires me just as much as words do. There is something so visceral about the way electronic music makes one feel because there are fewer words, if any at all. I think it’s the scarcity of words that leaves so much resting on each one. There might be a fragment of vocal on a Burial track, and it can contain more anguish and soul than an entire narrative, and that to me is incredible.
Do you still play drums? Did you play them on this album?
I don’t really play the drums anymore. Sam played all the drums on the album, and he plays drums in the band, so I’m kinda covered on all bases there. I don’t need to!
Tell me about the process of signing to Bella Union. Did you meet with Simon Raymonde? Who are some of your favorite Bella Union artists?
I first met up with Simon Raymonde a couple of summers back. We had been emailing back and forth for a year and he was at a point where he could take me on as an artist. It’s incredible being on the same label as artists like Midlake, Father John Misty and Beach House. They have given me some of my most formative musical experiences, and I look up to them all in a big way.
What was being played on your family stereo when you were a child?
A lot of house music because my dad was DJ’ing a lot at the time, and a lot of disco like CHIC and Kool & The Gang. Basically stuff with groovy beats is most of what I remember liking as a child.
Tell me about the experience of performing with Everything But The Girl.
Well, obviously they’re my parents and we’re very close so it’s been a really fun experience. I think we all have similar musical sensibilities too and we work well together. It’s been quite crazy seeing how much people love them. I always knew they were famous but it doesn’t seem quite real until you’re in a room with them and they’re all losing their bananas. It’s been a crazy and very special experience, and I’m still really enjoying it!
How was the decision made for the band to play your song “Removed?”
My dad played guitar on the recording of “Removed” so it seemed like a nice choice. I always play them songs I’m working on, so it felt natural to perform them with them as well. The whole legacy thing doesn’t usually bother me but sometimes it can. It can feel daunting stepping onto the road they’ve already paved, but I’m doing my own thing and I feel pretty confident in my abilities.
Do you have any touring or festival dates planned?
We’re playing Moseley Folk in September and then going on a tour round the UK in support of the album, also in September.
Will you be playing in the US, and specifically New York?
I really really hope so. It’s pretty expensive though so we will see!
What will you do to promote the album?
I think the best thing to do is just to constantly remind people that it’s out, otherwise they forget, or listen to any of the other countless artists also releasing music at the moment.
Photo credit: Brennan Bucannan
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